Plastic pollution is a pervasive and pressing global issue stemming from the widespread use of plastic in nearly every facet of modern life. The consequences are dire, with over 280 million tonnes of short-lived plastic products discarded annually. Not only does plastic persist indefinitely in the environment, but its production also exacerbates the climate crisis, contributing to 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Can plastic-free packaging help?
The primary culprit behind this crisis is the packaging sector, which accounts for 36% of plastic production. However, plastic finds its way into various industries, from agriculture to fashion and even beauty products, spawning microplastics that contaminate our ecosystems. Despite international efforts, including UN resolutions and ongoing negotiations for a legally binding instrument to combat plastic pollution, current initiatives must address the required systemic change. This was all the call to action we needed.
Our Journey To Plastic-Free Packaging
Because of all the harmful effects of plastic pollution, we made our plastic-free packaging pledge.
The team at ABP and A4T are leading the way in reducing plastic waste by saving sixty tonnes of single-use plastics from landfills and oceans this year. This is equivalent to the weight of two adult humpback whales! However, it is unfortunate that the progress towards eliminating plastic waste in the industry is slow-paced.
A4T and ABP Technology, the UK’s largest suppliers of gaming headsets, have taken a joint initiative to reduce plastic usage in their packaging. In 2017, they decided to eliminate all plastics from their retail packaging by the end of the following year. This required a complete packaging redesign across two colossal product ranges, with the PlayStation-licensed 4Gamers and third-party STEALTH brands becoming the first of their kind in the gaming industry to be 100% plastic-free packaging.
Sales Director Paul Carrington explains the decision: “In the first half of 2017, it became apparent that the office was hooked on David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II. Everyone loved it, and it was a frequent topic of conversation. Our collective love for this program led us to consider how we could reduce plastic usage in our packaging. We had many things to consider, and while each seemed like a small change, we soon realized they would significantly reduce landfill waste or, worse still, ocean-bound plastics.”
Plastic-Free Packaging Doesn’t Happen Over Night
The company has made a commendable commitment to produce eco-friendly packaging free of plastic, which is a significant step towards a more sustainable future. Through rigorous research and collaborative efforts with several design and manufacturing partners, they have made impressive progress towards achieving this goal. In 2019, A4T and ABP were set to ship over a million units, each with an average plastic weight of 60 grams, translating to over 60 tonnes of plastic saved in just one year. This remarkable achievement highlights the power of partnerships and innovation in making positive changes towards a greener planet.
A4T and ABP are determined to produce plastic-free packaging that is just as durable and hard-wearing as the previous plastic packaging without charging customers. We carried out controlled tests to assess durability, some of which even involved dropping prototype packaging from the company’s second-story office windows.
All products within A4T and ABP’s respective 4Gamers and STEALTH lines are now shipped in 100% plastic-free packaging. This includes popular products such as 4Gamers’ PRO4-70 and its latest camouflage and rose gold colour SKUs, as well as STEALTH’s new era of XP gaming, casual, and lifestyle headsets.
Paul is proud of his company’s progress through the complete overhaul of their packaging processes, significantly reducing their use of plastic. He is delighted to lead the initiative across the industry but believes there is still much more work to do. He dreams of a more significant impact and wonders how much more they could achieve collectively with other companies joining them in going plastic-free.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, as the UK’s leading gaming peripherals and accessories manufacturer, ABP Technology Ltd has successfully transitioned all retail packaging for its premium gaming accessory brand, STEALTH, to 100% plastic-free since early 2019. This monumental shift has resulted in over a million products entering the market annually with a complete absence of plastic in internal and external packaging, marking a remarkable 100% reduction in plastic usage. Over 250 tonnes of single-use plastic have been diverted from landfills, with a commitment to doubling this figure to 500 tonnes by 2025.
This initiative reflects our dedication to combatting plastic pollution and preserving our oceans, aligning with the urgent need highlighted by alarming statistics on plasticoceans.org. As a responsible market leader in the gaming industry, ABP Technology Ltd recognizes its role in addressing global environmental challenges. Our ongoing efforts to eliminate plastic from packaging underscore our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we know how important plastic-free packaging is for our planet.
However, addressing plastic pollution requires collective action beyond individual companies. It demands comprehensive measures from policymakers and governments, including bans on single-use plastics, strict plastic production and disposal regulations, and investments in recycling infrastructure and research for biodegradable alternatives. While our plastic-free pledge represents a significant step forward, more companies must join the fight against plastic pollution and reduce their environmental footprint for the well-being of our planet.
Posted on 18th Mar 2024 by igorthegreat